Rising Fuel Prices Could Push Cambodia Poverty Up 1%: ADB

Rising Fuel Prices Could Push Cambodia Poverty Up 1%: ADB

PHNOM PENH, April 11, 2026 — Rising fuel prices could push Cambodia’s poverty rate up by as much as 1 percentage point if current pressures persist, economists at the Asian Development Bank warned on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Phnom Penh, ADB economist Milan Thomas said households living near the poverty line are most at risk, particularly in rural areas, garment workers, and small businesses facing rising costs driven by higher fuel prices.

“Increases in fuel costs are feeding into higher prices for goods and services, placing additional pressure on vulnerable groups,” he said.

ADB economist Doung Polang noted that lessons from the COVID-19 crisis show targeted government support can help cushion the impact on low-income households.

He said Cambodia’s government is expected to introduce further measures to assist vulnerable groups and reduce the risk of more people falling into poverty.

The ADB emphasized that strengthening social protection systems will be critical in mitigating the economic shock, as inflationary pressures linked to energy costs continue to ripple through the economy.

The bank also signaled it could support Cambodia through emergency budget loans or expanded concessional financing under existing programs, although such assistance would likely be tied to policy reforms.

The warning comes as global fuel price volatility continues to affect developing economies, raising concerns about inflation, inequality and the durability of post-pandemic economic recovery.